Domestic Violence: All It Takes Is One

A single voice speaking out, a lone gesture of kindness or a solitary act of good will – the power of one is impactful. And now during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s an ideal time to look at what each one of us can do to bring the serious subject of domestic violence to light.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. It’s an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, religion or educational background. While men are not immune to this issue, statistics show that 23.6 percent of women report at least one lifetime episode of intimate-partner violence. That’s a sister, a mother or a daughter you may know who is a victim or who has been affected by domestic violence.

Although we can’t stop domestic violence overnight, we can work to shift the statistics in a positive direction. Major social change starts small. It’s as simple as an individual deciding to take action. Good deeds are contagious.

All it takes is one. One person to donate his or her old wireless phone to HopeLine, Verizon Wireless’ phone recycling and reuse program. The no longer used phone — quite possibly stored and forgotten— not only represents an opportunity to help give a victim a connection to support or emergency services, but also a link to friends, family and potential employers.

Donating phones is simple. HopeLine collects old wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any wireless service provider at Verizon Wireless Communications stores nationwide or by mail using the postage-paid label available at www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel.

If every person reading this gave just one phone and others did the same, imagine the positive impact we could make in the lives of domestic violence victims.

Each of us has an opportunity to take action and help break the cycle of violence. Remember the only activity too small is the act of doing nothing at all. Every phone counts. So grab your old phone, spread the word and visit a Verizon Wireless store or mail in your old phone and make a difference in October.

Victor Mack is Verizon Wireless’ director of retail sales for Michigan. For 14 years, Verizon Wireless has devoted its community service efforts to domestic violence awareness and prevention through the company’s HopeLine program.